Tag: Childhood Day

Childline delivered 682 counselling sessions a month last year to young people from Scotland

•     Last year Childline delivered almost 8,200 counselling sessions to children and young people from Scotland  

•      In more than 700 of these sessions the young person said that Childline was the first place they had shared their concerns

•     Almost all these counselling sessions were conducted online – 59% via 1-2-1 chat and 41% via email.      

•     The NSPCC calls on the public to play their part for children by getting involved in Childhood Day.

The NSPCC’s Childline service delivered nearly 8,200 counselling sessions last year to children and young people from Scotland, with poor mental health, difficulty with family relationships and friendship issues some of the top concerns.

As the charity prepared for its third annual Childhood Day on Friday (June 7th) it issued a rallying call for families to come together to celebrate childhood by signing-up or joining in on one of the many fundraising activities taking place around the country.

In 2023/24 Childline delivered 8,190 counselling sessions to children and young people from Scotland dealing with a range of worries. Almost all these counselling sessions were conducted online – 59% via 1-2-1 chat and 41% via email – highlighting the changing way in which the service is now provided.

In more than 700 sessions the young person said Childline was the first place they had talked about their concern, reinforcing how vital the service continues to be for children.

The new data released by the NSPCC gives an indicator of the issues and problems facing children and young people in 2024. It also highlights the need for children and parents to find fun ways to spend time together and have conversations about what is taking place in their lives.

Childhood Day brings people together across the UK, Jersey and the Channel Islands to celebrate the joys of being a child, while also encouraging people to play their part to help keep children safe.

This year, for the first time ever, we are held a Childline Sports Day in Glasgow’s Golden Jubilee Hotel. This fun-filled event saw 13 teams battle against each other in physical and cerebral activities to win the coveted Sports Day trophy.

There were lots of fun interactive moments, with live linkups from the other Childline sports day events taking place in Manchester and London, to bring everyone together, and a silent auction, donations, raffle, BBQ, drinks and live entertainment.

While children from Festival Park Day Nursery in Lorne Street, Glasgow, visited Kinning Park Care Home residents on Childhood Day on Friday (June 7) for a day of “intergenerational connection” to show the benefits of interaction between young and old, such as children learning from their elders as well as helping to improve the residents’ mental health. The day includde story time, nursery rhymes and games.

Anne Marie Vernel, Depute Head of Festival Park Day Nursery, said: “The children have been building up relationships with the residents over the past few months and thoroughly enjoy visiting the care home. The children also welcomed the residents into the nursery last month and they were very excited about the visit.

“It’s lovely to see the two generations meet and share stories. History is brought to life when the children hear about what life was like for them when they were growing up, and I’m sure the residents areinterested to hear about childhood experiences today as well.”

People can also get involved by volunteering at a Childhood Day collection, taking on the charity’s Childhood Day Mile or donating directly – including at cash donation points in Lidl GB stores. Additionally, on 7th and 8th June Lidl GB donated £1 to the NSPCC for every customer that spends £10, scans the Lidl Plus app and submits their donation.

Collections took place before the Taylor Swift concert at Murrayfield stadium tram station and at Aberdeen beach Asda yesterday (Saturday).

Further collections will take place across Scotland over the coming days: at Central train station, Glasgow, on Thursday, June 13,  at Braehead Shopping Centre, Glasgow, on June, 14 and 21, at the Foo Fighters concert in Glasgow outside Hampden Park stadium on Monday, June 17 and in Glasgow City Centre on Friday, June 7 with the Rock choir.

All the funds raised from Childhood Day will go towards ensuring the NSPCC can continue to deliver services like Childline to those children who need support and feel they have nowhere else to turn.

Childline often hears from young people about how much the service means to them and positively impacts their lives.

One young person aged 14* from Scotland told Childline: “I want to say thank you so much Childline, you’ve really helped me. I know I can come back anytime for reminders on helping my mental health, or check the website, it’s so good!”

Rebecca Wilcox, President of Childline, said: “As a mother, as well as the President of Childline and a volunteer for the service, I believe it’s incredibly important for young people to have a safe space where they can discuss anything that might be troubling them.

“Childline will always be here for every young person, no matter the nature or size of their concern.”

Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO, said: “Every day Childline continues to be a safe port for hundreds of children struggling with a widening range of issues and concerns.

“Events like Childhood Day play an essential part in providing the support we need to keep Childline running day and night for young people, some of whom have nowhere else to turn.  

“As well as raising vital funds for the NSPCC Childhood Day also encourages children and families to celebrate childhood.

 “This is why we are calling on communities, schools and families to take part in fun activities, such as the Childhood Day Mile – where they can hop, skip or jump a mile.”

Lidl GB is sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day for a third year as retail sponsor. Lidl GB has been partnered with the NSPCC for 7 years, raising over £9 million for the charity in this time.

It is currently supporting young people with their mental health by raising money for Childline. Lidl GB will be helping to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding its own events and activities with colleagues and customers across Great Britain to help raise vital funds.

Also sponsoring this year’s Childline Sports Day is O2. O2 connects millions of families across the UK and is committed to helping keep children and young people safe when gaming, studying and connecting with friends online.

As part of its sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, the company is working to improve the digital skills and confidence of six million people by the end of 2025.

To find out more , visit:

www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/charity-fundraising/childhood-day/

Childhood Day raises vital funds for NSPCC services as emotional abuse counselling sessions increase

·       Childline has seen a five percent increase in counselling sessions on emotional abuse.

·       Being shouted at or verbally abused accounted for more than half of the sessions (52%)

·       NSPCC believes everyone can play their part in protecting children from abuse and neglect, and calls for the public to get involved in Childhood Day on the 7th of June.

·       Lidl GB has been named as retail sponsor for the third year in a row and is encouraging customers and colleagues to get involved in activities across the country.

Today, the NSPCC is releasing new data which reveals over the last year its Childline service has seen a 5 per cent increase in the number of counselling sessions it has delivered to children across the UK experiencing emotional abuse.

From April 2023 to March 2024 the service’s trained counsellors delivered 2,879 sessions on this issue.

In 52% of sessions, where the main concern was emotional abuse, being shouted at or verbally abused was the top sub concern.

Being criticised, humiliated and called names was the second most common sub concern.

The children’s charity is releasing these figures as it rallies communities to come together to play their part in helping to keep children safe by supporting the charity’s annual Childhood Day on the 7th of June.

Lidl GB has been named as retail sponsor for the event for the third year in a row and is encouraging customers and colleagues to get involved in activities across the country to help raise money.

People can get involved by donating, volunteering at a collection point or taking on the charity’s Childhood Day Mile.

All the funds raised will go towards helping the NSPCC deliver vital services, like Childline which supports children at risk.

Being isolated or ignored, not being allowed to have friends and receiving blame for things they had not done were amongst the main things that children mentioned to the service’s trained counsellors. On average, eight children a day are contacting the service about emotional abuse.

Fundraising activities already planned in Scotland include a beach clean at Broughty Ferry on the 28th of May and bucket collections in Edinburgh Waverley on 30th of May, St Nicholas Street, Aberdeen, on the 31st of May, and Glasgow Central on the 6th of June.

NSPCC fundraisers also hope to capture the generosity of music fans with collections outside Murrayfield on the 8th of June just before Taylor Swift’s concert in Edinburgh and also before a Foo Fighters concert at Hampden Park in Glasgow on the 17th of June.

Fiona Milne, Fundraiser for NSPCC Scotland, said: “The Childhood Mile is a fantastic way to raise money for the NSPCC and help us support children and keep them safe.

“Across Scotland, we will be out in force with our collection buckets, so if you have any spare change please give generously, or if you can give a couple of hours of your time, we would love you to join us.

“Fundraising drives like this are vital in allowing us to continue our work keeping children safe from abuse and neglect.”

A 17-year old from Scotland* told a Childline counsellor: “I live with my dad and most days it’s like treading on eggshells, I don’t know what mood he’ll be in.

“Like, the other day, he shouted at me for no reason, and called me stupid and hopeless. It hurts even more cos none my siblings get treated like this, it’s just me! Physically, I’m safe but mentally I feel like I’m dying inside. I don’t know what to do.”

Another young person that called Childline said: “I love my dad, he does not shout or swear or call me horrible names like mum. I feel way safer at his house, I don’t at mum’s – she’s really scary.

“Just yesterday, she screamed at my sister to ‘shut the F up!’ I honestly want to leave my house and run and run and never look back – but I can’t. What do I do?”

At the NSPCC, we know that emotional abuse can sometimes be difficult to spot as there are not always obvious signs.

Despite this, it is an issue that is impacting many children and young people.

Last year, 99,630 children were identified through Child in Need assessments as experiencing emotional abuse and this was the highest number of assessments for all types of abuse and neglect.

At the NSPCC, we know that over time and without the right support, emotional abuse can have long lasting effects on a child’s social, emotional, and physical health.

That is why it is essential that services like Childline are here for those children who need help and do not know where to turn.

Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO, said: “Half a million children a year suffer abuse in the UK. That means 7 children in a classroom experience abuse before they turn 18. This can’t go on and it doesn’t have to.

“It’s devastating to hear that contacts to Childline on emotional abuse are on the increase. We must remember that these are not children who are being overly sensitive or dislike being disciplined, they are being psychologically abused by the people who are there to protect them.

“For the past 140 years, the NSPCC has been working tirelessly to prevent abuse, change the law and support children at risk, but the charity knows that strong communities are at the heart of keeping children safe.

“That is why the charity is encouraging everyone to play their part and support Childhood Day. £4 raised could help a Childline counsellor answer a call to a child in need of help.”

Lidl GB is sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day for a third year as retail sponsor. Lidl GB has been partnered with the NSPCC for 7 years and is currently supporting young people with their mental health by raising money for Childline. Lidl GB will be helping to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding their own activities with their colleagues and customers across Great Britain to help raise vital funds.

Mark Newbold, Lidl GB Senior CSR Manager, said: “We’re proud to be backing Childhood Day for the third year in a row, rallying our colleagues and customers in support of such a vital cause – protecting young people.

“No child facing abuse or feelings of isolation should ever have to struggle alone. Childline is a lifeline for so many young people, and we hope that through our partnership with the NSPCC and continued support with raising funds, children who need somewhere to turn can get help quickly.”

To find out more on how to get involved in Childhood Day this year including taking part Childhood Day Mile or volunteering at a collection point visit:

 www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/charity-fundraising/childhood-day/

Letters: Volunteer Appeal for NSPCC’s Childhood Day

Dear editor,

The NSPCC is calling on nurseries and schools across Scotland to join us for the Childhood Day Mile and raise vital funds to help keep children safe.

Childhood Day, on Friday 9 June, is our flagship day of fundraising where children and adults are encouraged to walk, hop, skip or wheel a mile to help raise money for children across the UK.

We’re asking schools, organisations, families and friends across Scotland to sign up.

Details on how to take part and help us raise funds for NSPCC projects can be found on the NSPCC’s online Childhood Day Hub and there are resources available to schools, nurseries and childcare groups that sign up.

We’re also looking for friendly volunteers to support us at collection points in the following places: 

  • Morrisons, Aberdeen: Saturday, June 3, 10am-6pm  
  • Glasgow City Centre, Buchanan Street: Friday, June 9, 11am-5pm  
  • Asda, Aberdeen: Friday 9 June, 11am-5pm  
  • Lidl Robroyston, Glasgow: Saturday, June 10, 10am-6pm  
  • Old Meldrum Sports & Highland Games, Inverurie: Saturday, June 17, 11am-3pm  

Whether it’s by fundraising, donating, volunteering at a collection or taking action, we’re asking people to play their part to help keep children safe from abuse.

Simply search your postcode in the link below to find the nearest collection point to you.

Visit: www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/charity-fundraising/childhood-day/volunteer/ or search online for ‘Childhood Day’ to find out more.

To donate visit: www.justgiving.com/page/nspcc-scotland-1678185686020

Yours sincerely,

Caroline Renton

NSPCC Scotland Supporter Fundraising Manager

NSPCC Scotland encourages people to support Childhood Day to help keep children safe

As thousands of people come together across Scotland and the rest of the UK today to back the NSPCC’s Childhood Day, the charity is emphasising that everyone has a responsibility to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.

NSPCC Scotland is calling on communities to play their part in a collective effort and is encouraging people to log any concerns they have about a child, contact the NSPCC if they are unsure and support Childhood Day by donating.

Childhood Day is the NSPCC’s flagship day of fundraising that takes places on the second Friday in June every year.

Adults and children around Scotland are getting behind Childhood Day to help keep children safe, with communities hosting fundraising events and schools taking part in the NSPCC’s Big Breaktime. This is an extra hour of play where they can remember the special things about childhood whilst raising vital funds for the charity.

Caroline Renton, Supporter Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland said: “Last year, the NSPCC Helpline made 897 referrals about abuse and neglect to agencies in Scotland. With the support of local people, ringing the NSPCC Helpline if they have concerns about any child, we can help protect children from abuse.

“As people get behind Childhood Day today, they demonstrate an understanding that we all have a responsibility to play our part to prevent abuse and neglect.

“There will be volunteers in towns and cities throughout Scotland collecting for the NSPCC, so we would be extremely grateful for your support.”

This year Lidl GB, who have supported the charity for five years and Sky Cares, Sky’s commitment to supporting the communities where their customers and employees live and work, are sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day as retail and media partners respectively. Both partners have helped to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding their own activities with their colleagues across the UK to help raise vital funds.

Following the launch of Childhood Day in April, the NSPCC has been encouraging people to volunteer at cash collections scattered across Scotland between May and early June, take part in the Big Breaktime, fundraise by hosting an event in their community or donate to the charity.

People can still get behind Childhood Day today and support the NSPCC by donating at nspcc.org.uk/donate

The NSPCC is urging anyone with concerns about a child, even if they’re unsure, to contact the NSPCC helpline to speak to one of the charity’s professionals.

You can call 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk or fill in the online form.

Letters: Schools invited to take part in The Big Breaktime on Childhood Day

Dear Editor,

Next month, for Childhood Day, schools across Scotland and the rest of the UK will come together to raise funds for the NSPCC. This will help us deliver our services and support children across the country.

Childhood Day is the charity’s flagship fundraising event, when the public are encouraged to embrace their inner child, celebrating play to put the fun into fundraising.

As part of the celebration on 10 June, we are encouraging schools and nurseries to take part in The Big Breaktime – an extra hour of play with pupils, staff and parents being encouraged to give a small donation towards funding vital NSPCC projects, like Childline.

https://youtu.be/mMcOHBaKkN0

Schools can sign up for The Big Breaktime via the NSPCC’s Childhood Day hub The Big Breaktime | NSPCC From there, they will be able to download lots of exciting resources to help them plan a Big Breaktime in their school.

To sign up to the Big Breaktime, all you have to do is visit the NSPCC website, search for The Big Breaktime and fill in your school’s details with the registration form.

Paul Cockram

Head of Fundraising

NSPCC Scotland

Edinburgh volunteers needed for NSPCC’s flagship Childhood Day

NSPCC Scotland is bringing people in Edinburgh together this summer to have fun while helping to protect children from abuse and neglect.

Childhood Day, which is on June 10, is the NSPCC’s landmark charity day where families, friends and colleagues fundraise and take action to help keep children safe.

To help make this the best Childhood Day yet, the NSPCC is appealing for volunteers on the day in Edinburgh to help at the fundraising collections for the city centre and Edinburgh Craigleith Retail Park, from 10am until 6pm.

Caroline Renton, Supporter Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “Last year, the NSPCC Helpline made 897 referrals to agencies in Scotland about child abuse and neglect concerns – an average of two referrals a day.

“With the support of local people here in Edinburgh, we can take action against child abuse, and raise funds to ensure young people always have someone to turn to.

“We need volunteers to help at our Edinburgh collection, so please contact us if you’re able to give your time, energy and enthusiasm. It would be great if you could spare a couple of hours to help us. Together we can make all the difference for children.

“Or you may prefer to set up a fundraising event. Whether you’re organising a sponsored kickabout in the park, a board game, a musical get-together or an online gaming tournament, we want your help to get the UK playing and to raise money to help us keep children safe from abuse.”

https://youtu.be/mMcOHBaKkN0

To help with a collection, visit:  

www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/events-fundraising/childhood-day/volunteer/

If you want to do your own fundraising, then visit:

 https://www.nspcc.org.uk/childhoodday 

for a fundraising pack.

New NSPCC figures and analysis shed light on scale of abuse and neglect

  • Last year the NSPCC Helpline made 897 referrals about child abuse and neglect concerns to agencies in Scotland – an average of two a day.
  • Half a million children a year suffer abuse in the UK, says charity
  • NSPCC believes everyone has a responsibility to protect children from abuse and neglect and calls for people to take action on Childhood Day

NSPCC Scotland has today released data and research that paints a worrying picture of the abuse and neglect faced by children. The charity is calling for everyone to play their part in preventing abuse as it reveals details of Childhood Day 2022.

In 2021/22, the NSPCC’s Helpline for adults made 897 referrals about abuse and neglect to agencies in Scotland – an average of two a day.  

The most common reason for the charity’s practitioners to escalate their concerns in Scotland was neglect, with 272 referrals being made for this concern.

Across the UK last year, the Helpline made 22,983 referrals to agencies about children thought to be experiencing abuse and neglect – an average of 63 children a day.

The NSPCC Helpline receives contacts from the public and professionals who have safeguarding fears about a child. The charity will refer these on to statutory agencies when serious enough to do so, whilst offering advice and assistance in all cases.

The NSPCC is also releasing analysis that sets out the scale and breadth of this issue, estimating that half a million children a year suffer abuse in the UK. That means 7 children in a classroom experience abuse before they turn 18*.

This comes as the NPSCC launches Childhood Day, the charity’s flagship day of fundraising and action that brings everyone in the UK together to protect children.

The leading children’s charity is today emphasising that everyone has a responsibility to protect children from abuse and neglect. This means people reporting any concerns they have about a child, Governments across the UK prioritising child protection at a national level and a rallying call for everyone across the UK to unite on the 10 June for Childhood Day, to raise money and awareness for the NSPCC.

Whether it’s by fundraising, donating, volunteering at a collection, or taking action, the NSPCC is asking people to play their part to help keep children safe from abuse. The charity is encouraging people to ‘search ‘Childhood Day’ to find out more. 

Emma Frost was abused as a child. She wishes someone spoke out on her behalf and is calling on everyone to support the NSPCC’s Childhood Day, so that the charity can continue to take vital calls via the Helpline.

Emma says: “I was the eldest of seven siblings and grew up in a chaotic household. I was subjected to emotional and physical torment and made to believe that I was saying, thinking and doing things I wasn’t. I spent four years in care.

“My father abused me from a young age and in 2011, he was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. I wish someone, at some point, had picked up the phone and called the NSPCC Helpline. I would have got the right help a lot earlier and it wouldn’t have done as much damage.

“The NSPCC is just as important now as it was when I was a little girl. Whatever else is going on, it’s vital we all play our part for children suffering abuse.”

Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO said: “In light of the recent tragic cases, the NSPCC is emphasising how important it is that we challenge ourselves to do all we can to protect children from harm.

“As well as the Scottish Government playing a leading role in this fight, we know that strong communities can help to keep children safe, with thousands of individual people playing their part and doing what’s right.

“That’s why we created Childhood Day – a day that brings everyone in the UK together to make child protection a top priority.”

At the start of next month, the NSPCC will launch its Childhood Day TV Appeal. The advert, which will go out on TV from the 2nd May, sees a member of the public contact the NSPCC helpline with concerns about a three-year-old boy who is experiencing physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his mother.

A voiceover from actress and NSPCC supporter Natalie Dormer says ‘This Childhood Day donate £20 and help us keep answering the calls that can stop abuse. Search NSPCC to donate now.”

This year Lidl GB, who have supported the charity for 5 years and Sky Cares, Sky’s commitment to supporting the communities where their customers and employees live and work, are sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day as retail and media partners respectively.

Both partners will be helping to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding their own activities with their colleagues across the UK to help raise vital funds.

Caroline Renton, Supporter Fundraising Manager, NSPCC Scotland said: “We’re encouraging people in local communities across Scotland to get involved and have fun this Childhood Day. 

“Whether you hold your own play-themed fundraising event or sign up to volunteer at one of our Childhood Day street collections across the country, every pound you raise will help to keep children safe.”

The NSPCC is urging anyone with concerns about a child, even if they’re unsure, to contact the NSPCC helpline to speak to one of the charity’s professionals.

People can call 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk or fill in the online form.

Celebrities urge Scotland to play in support of Childhood Day

Dame Esther Rantzen, founder of the NSPCC run service Childline, TV presenting duo Ant & Dec, and Scotland’s only professional Netball Team Strathclyde Sirens are calling on Scotland to play today in support of the NSPCC’s Childhood Day.

Thousands of children and adults have already signed up to play and raise money for the leading children’s charity, with communities from all corners of the UK and Channel Islands organising play themed events.

From a children’s play event in Govan Cross in Glasgow, to a pop-up fundraising stall in East Lothian, there is no end to the number of ways people are getting behind the day.

The NSPCC thinks we could all do with a bit more play and is calling on families, friends and work colleagues to celebrate childhood and give children their moment to really be kids after a difficult year.

To mark their support as Childhood Day champions, Ant and Dec are releasing a video which sees them playing some fun and simple games to show just how easy it is to get playing this Childhood Day.

The challenges that children have faced such as school closures, cancelled exams and being separated from family and friends have had a devastating impact on the mental health and wellbeing of many young people, with Childline delivering over 73,000 counselling sessions about this issue.

The NSPCC has also found that the pandemic has increased the risk of abuse and neglect. The Childline service reported an 18% increase in counselling sessions about emotional abuse, when compared to the year before.

Following a recent online YouGov poll of 1,036 parents across the UK with children aged three to twelve, the NSPCC found that almost three quarters (74%) think play has helped their child’s mental health and wellbeing since the start of the pandemic. 

Just over half think it’s helped to reduce stress (53%) and prevent loneliness (54%) and 58% said its helped to support learning outside of school. 

As we move out of the pandemic, it is vital we remain here for children and that they get the help and support they need to have a better and brighter future.

Those taking part in Childhood Day will not only get the chance to have fun with their loved ones, they’ll also be playing their part in helping to keep children safe by raising vital funds for the NSPCC.

Ant said: “It’s such an honour to be supporting the NSPCC’s Childhood Day today.

“There are so many benefits to play and sadly it is something that’s been really restricted over the last year with many children not being able to play with their friends like they normally would.”

Dec said: “As lockdown restrictions continue to ease, we want all children to have a bright future ahead of them.

“That’s why we’re getting involved in Childhood Day today so we can play our part for children. Check out our video and get playing!”

Gia Abernethy, Strathclyde Sirens captain, said: “The past year has been really hard for all of us, and we can only imagine how difficult it has been for children and young people, especially with most clubs and after-school activities being closed for much of the time.

“Thankfully, in our team we have been there to support each other, and we’ve really found some solace in training and playing our sport together.

“Play, being active and connecting with others is so important for all of our physical and mental health. That’s why we’re proudly supporting the NSPCC’s Childhood Day, and we encourage families across the country to do the same and enjoy playing together today.”

The online YouGov poll of 1,036 parents with children aged three to twelve also found that just over three quarters of parents (78%) think spending time with grandparents and the wider family will be important for their child’s wellbeing this summer.

Dame Esther Rantzen, founder and president of Childline, said: “The impact of the past year on children cannot be underestimated.

“The challenges that they’ve faced have turned their lives upside down and many have really struggled to cope. Throughout all of this, Childline has remained a vital listening ear and our counsellors are amazed each day by the resilience that children and young people demonstrate.

“After all the disruption and uncertainty, I think it is fantastic that the NSPCC are marking the importance of play through Childhood Day, whilst fundraising for their vital work.

“As a grandparent myself, I have really struggled with not being able to see and spend time with my grandchildren. The moments when we can be together and play feel even more precious now.

“So, if you haven’t already, I’d encourage you to visit the NSPCC website and get involved in Childhood day today.”

The NSPCC’s Childhood Day, which was previously piloted in specific areas, launched this year with a refreshed look and feel and a renewed ambition to celebrate childhood by getting the nation playing after a challenging year. 

Over the past few months the charity has been encouraging people to sign up, download a fundraising pack and organise a play event to fundraise for the NSPCC.

There’s still time to get involved and sign up to host a play event this weekend. Visit nspcc.org.uk/childhood-day to download your free fundraising pack with lots of play ideas.

You can also support Childhood Day and help protect children by making a donation through the NSPCC website – www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/ways-to-give/donate/

Letters: Benefits of play for our children

Dear Editor,

Now, as we approach summer with hopefully fewer restrictions, we can start to make plans about how we will spend time with family and friends.

Following the challenging year we have experienced, we could all do with a bit more play in our lives. Play is a hugely important part of childhood and has a whole host of benefits, including improving physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Throughout this pandemic, children have had to deal with so many difficult challenges; some having to stay in unsafe homes and many living with families who are struggling with health worries and financial issues. Children have told Childline that they have struggled to cope and their mental health has suffered as a result.

It doesn’t matter how people choose to play this Childhood Day (11 June), whether it’s organising a sponsored kickabout in the park, a game of cards, a musical get-together or an online gaming tournament, we just want as many as possible playing and raising money to help us keep children safe.

We look forward to hearing how your readers plan to support the NSPCC and children across Scotland this Childhood Day.

To find out more and download a fundraising pack, visit:

www.nspcc.org.uk/childhoodday 

or search online for NSPCC Childhood Day.

Paul Cockram,

Head of Fundraising, NSPCC Scotland

NSPCC launches Childhood Day

  • Latest Childline data reveals there has been a 17% rise in counselling sessions about mental or emotional health with children under 12 from Scotland over the past year
  • As lockdown eases and we look forward to a brighter summer, the NSPCC launches Childhood Day and invites people in Scotland to come together to play, raise money and help keep children safe

The NSPCC is launching its landmark Childhood Day to give young people a brighter future as it reports a rise in Childline contacts from children under 12 in Scotland about mental health issues.

During the pandemic, Childline held 243 counselling sessions with children of this age group about their mental and emotional health, compared with 207 sessions in the previous year – an increase of 17%.

Now the NSPCC is asking families and friends to celebrate childhood by organising a play event on June 11th to raise money for the charity and help keep more children safe.

Since April last year, Childline has carried out a total of 3,664 counselling sessions with children in Scotland about their mental or emotional health.

In 1,748 mental health-related counselling sessions young people mentioned anxiety or stress; in 1,006 they discussed low mood; in 569 they talked about confidence issues; and in 496 they spoke about depression.

Mental health has remained the top reason young people have got in touch with Childline, with these four issues ranking as the most commonly discussed topics. In over 200 counselling sessions, children in Scotland talked of their worries about the world, which is more than a two-fold increase from the previous year (81).

Over the past year, councillors have heard from children attempting to navigate the closure of schools, the introduction and easing of lockdowns, concerns about the virus and social isolation.

At the start of the pandemic the change in daily routines, being stuck at home and the removal of professional support from schools caused great worry and anxiety in young people, particularly those who were already coping with other issues in their lives.

The start of the year and the January lockdown presented another particularly challenging time for young people, as COVID death rates rose and schools closed down for a second time.

The charity’s Childline volunteer counsellors, as well as supporters and partners worked incredibly hard to ensure the service could stay open and young people had somewhere to turn. Analysis of Childline’s online services shows many children have taken proactive steps to support their emotional wellbeing during this time.

Now, as lockdown continues to ease, the charity is calling on people everywhere to play their part in giving children a great summer and brighter future – as it launches its landmark Childhood Day with a new film that encourages people to sign up.

Dame Esther Rantzen, founder of Childline, said: “Throughout this pandemic, children and young people have had to deal with so many difficult new challenges, many knowing that their families were struggling with health worries and financial issues, some locked down in unsafe homes, deprived of their schools which may have been their only refuge.

“Many have told Childline that they have struggled to cope and their mental health has suffered as a result.

“Childline’s counsellors have been tremendously impressed by the resilience of so many young people during the pandemic, supporting themselves and each other. Nevertheless, we are all only too aware that not only education has suffered, but so has the opportunity to play.

“My grandchildren have told me how much they have missed their friends during lockdown. Play is such an important part of childhood, building confidence and creating relationships. 

“After the year we’ve had, I am really looking forward to joining my own family on Childhood Day. I do hope as many families as possible will be able to do the same, to enjoy each other’s company and have fun and play together.

“I want to remind children everywhere that Childline is always there for them, no matter how big or small their problem, offering comfort and support which is free, confidential, on the phone or online.”  

 

NSPCC supporter Dr Ranj Singh said: “Young people have experienced so many different challenges to their mental health this year. Lots will have played less because they’ve been stuck at home, but as restrictions ease and opportunities for play increase it’s important we recognise its benefits.

“Play can help children work through difficult emotions, encounter new experiences and build resilience, confidence and self-esteem. In light of this, I’m backing the NSPCC’s Childhood Day and encouraging families up and down the country to get playing on the 11th of June.”

Earlier this year, a 10-year-old boy told Childline: “I’m feeling really sad and upset that I can’t spend time with friends and play with them because of another lockdown. I’m not returning to school for another 5 or 6 weeks and the news about the number of deaths from COVID-19 has made me more scared. I don’t feel like I can tell my mum how I feel inside as it will upset her.”

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Childhood Day

The NSPCC’s Childhood Day, which was previously piloted in specific areas and will be held on the 11th June this year, is being launched today with a refreshed look and feel and a renewed ambition to celebrate childhood by getting the UK playing after a really challenging year.

The charity has launched a new film that encourages people to play their part for children by signing up, downloading a fundraising pack and organising a play event to fundraise for the NSPCC. Whether you’re 5 or 85, the charity is encouraging everyone to get involved to play with family, friends or workmates.

Childline online

Despite the challenges of the past year, as well as seeking support from our counsellors, young people accessed Childline online resources, information and tools to support their mental health in ways and at times that were most convenient and helpful to them.

Childline saw huge increases in the number of young people using the website to access information, advice and resources. The week the March 2020 lockdown began there were over 10,000 page views of the Childline’s Calm Zone, which offers breathing exercises and activities to help let go of stress.